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Performers @ SANKOFA October 2005                         Urban Gypsies Wild and energetic, celebratory and fun, the Urban Gypsies are a tribe of women who have worked hard to perfect this art. Fun, participative and like a village group getting together, the passionate dancers use funky World Music that has a fabulous "foot tapping" quality. Powerful formations and colourful family fun, not to be missed! Celloman Classically trained at the Guildhall, Ivan joined the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra at aged 17, appearing on two albums, touring Japan, Jamaica and Europe as well as playing on numerous recordings with other artists including the classic first Soul II Soul album. In 1993, Ivan joined the Duran Duran band for an eight month World tour, followed in 1994 by a tour with Gabrielle. Shortly after, he left London for Tel Aviv and spent two years working as a cellist and absorbing the music of the Middle East. Back in London, Ivan joined the Smoke City band and spent much of 1997 touring Europe, alongside regular recording sessions, which have seen him in demand till today. Reg Hendrikse, Dave Cork, John Donaldson This black British jazz trio is known for the high quality of their performances and their roots into the local jazz history of Hastings. They are a key to some forgotten gems in the black history of Hastings. Stories of the past are told through their presence and their music, constantly working and evolving. Enjoy! Kaago with Henri Gaobi comes from the Gouru community of West Central Cote D'Ivoire, from a long family tradition of musicians, dancers and weavers. Kaago, a Gouru word meaning "Let's Go", consists of a troupe of experienced dancers, performers, and musicians, creating an intense vehicle for African drumming and dancing. The renowned master drummer sees drumming and dance as healing, a way of creating enjoyment, lifting spirits and spreading happiness and joy. Nana Tsiboe is a Ghanaian percussionist and multi-instrumentalist based in Hastings. Nana has worked professionally with a vast range of musicians from traditional African music through to jazz and pop. These have included Oumou Sangare, Fela Kuti, Paul McCartney, Andy Hamilton, Ali Farka Toure, Chris McGregor, Dudu Pukwana, David Murray and Nick Mason (Pink Floyd). Jamie Morgan is a professional percussionist and Rhythm Synergy facilitator as part of the Centre of Creativity. He has travelled the world and seen much, though nothing more amazing than the ability that each of us has to access our own music and connect with each other, be we young or old (or both), "able" or not so "able" and regardless of gender, ethnicity or experience.  Lynda Murray This music and film project combines original modern jazz with archive footage of Hastings fishing fleet, lifeboat and costal views of the Old Town and pier. The visuals and sound create a powerful synergy that allows the viewer and listener's imagination to wander wherever it wants creating a unique and individual experience.  Meli Melo is a locally based drumming & African Dance community group, creatively supporting diverse communities of Asylum seekers and Refugees. Meli melo (meaning mish mash) has been involved in many local charity events and always finds a way to actively involve the community into their songs, dances and rhythms. Drumfire Based in Bexhill and Hastings, Trish Walmsley, Julian Humphries, Ed Collins, Deborah Kelly, Tony Collie, Emmett Ives, Kim, Emma and Simon Spare, have performed traditional West African rhythms and dances together for over five years in venues along the south coast and at events such as Hastings Carnival 2004, Rye Bonfire and the Earth Spirit Festival. Chayele We are a small, local drumming group with an emphasis on having fun whilst learning traditional African rhythms. We are open to new members: 01424 220688 Sambalanco Is a local community Samba band. We are lively and vibrant and anyone of any age can join, and all instruments are provided. We practice every Wednesday on Pier at 8pm. Naked Angel Check out Kat (South Wales), Jim (Zimbabwe), Wil (Antigua/Monserrat) and Brian (North London) whose eclectic music entertains not only "dead goblins". If you like the music do join the club meetings once a month! Last Manz Standin' Was formed way back in '99 when Neaality-Gandhiji and Iziah-Illfigga first linked up. The third member of the HIP HOP crew L.M.S., Serum-Sunami, joined fairly recently at the start of this year. They have just completed filming a video for their forthcoming single 'It's Us!', and compiled an L.M.S. mixtape and solo LP. Keep your eyes focused and ears to the street 'cause L.M.S. are hear to stay! Blazzey An up and coming, hard working young man of African decent who lived in Hastings most of his life. Audiences of the Brighton & Hove Hip-Hop Festival and the Park Life Festival admired his raw talent as a rapper. Blazzey enjoys to constantly reassess his own work and he invites your to listen to his powerful lyrics. JJ An established DJ of dual heritage in Hastings with a unique style able to transform gems from the past and present into future classics. JJ creates a mix of R&B, soul, salsa funk & house flavours and is much loved by everyone at the monthly 'Bring a Dish' parties of the CCDN. Mr. Magnus Magnus has been playing Roots & Culture Reggae for 4 years. He started out djing & promoting "Bad & Beautiful" at The Brixtonian, where he encouraged friends to "Go for it". In 2002 the same group of friends set up www.globalgrooving.com and after only 3 years has attracted a huge and diverse audience in 46 countries Worldwide. Mr Magnus presents The Ticehurst Connection where he plays Reggae plus features the South East's top Unsigned Artist performing Spoken Word, Jazz, Drum & Bass, Rock and Soul.  DJ limit Hastings home grown talent DJ LIMIT is outstanding in terms of his young energy and output. He played at Park Live and several other events and discos and he has a natural ability to entertain a crowd. Only 14 years old, still at school, he already works as a jigger with an established festival organisers and SANKOFA is his biggest challenge yet! Breaking Out A music-drama by and for kids, a Raising the Rood production with Jenny Miller and Nancy Cooley. LauRen is a 16yr old Hastings based soul singer with recent performances at the Brighton/Hove Hip-Hop Festival as well as the local Late & Live. Being of dual heritage she passionately advocates Equal Opportunities and feels that Black History should be celebrated all year long. Alona Shaji (11y) & Simona Shaji (6y), Aleena Manoj (7y) & Airin Manoj (8y)      Performing single semi classical and group Bollywood dances from India. Gizmo The Children & Young people will be reciting a poem specially written for the occasion: continuing with a selection of Negro Spirituals and finishing with a funky street dance and anthem. Nubian Stars A young and dynamic, St. Leonards based dance trio